As the local COVID-19 epidemic situation remains severe, government departments will continue to provide emergency and essential public services, and focus on anti-epidemic operations in full swing. The Government will review the epidemic situation before March 4.

Announcing the move today, the Government noted that in view of the rapid development of the epidemic, in order to take the lead to reduce the flow of people and social contact as well as curb the spread of the virus in the community, it expanded the special work arrangements for government employees from February 4 and maintained emergency and essential public services to release manpower for anti-epidemic work.

All government employees, whether they have been arranged to work in the office or otherwise, should stand ready at all times and participate in anti-epidemic work when called upon by their departments, no matter what their original or usual duties are. As a team serving the people of Hong Kong, all government employees should accord top priority to the fight against the epidemic.

To cope with the past four waves of COVID-19, the Government has mobilised over 70,000 staff members to participate in various anti-epidemic operations. Containing the fifth wave of the epidemic is now of paramount importance to the Government.

Over the past several weeks, bureaus and departments swiftly mobilised a large amount of manpower to launch various anti-epidemic measures, including large-scale restriction-testing declaration operations, contact tracing, assistance in the issuing of quarantine orders, distribution of wristbands and support for call centres for people subject to home quarantine.

The Government appeals to the public for their understanding for any inconvenience caused by the reduction in public services in view of the epidemic.

Individual departments, having regard to the latest demand for their services, will make suitable arrangements and announcements separately, it added.

To reduce the flow of people in government buildings and offices, citizens are encouraged to use the post, drop-in boxes or online channels to receive the services they need.

The Government also strongly appeals to employers to allow their staff to work from home as far as possible.